Semi crash on I-15 causes fuel leak, 2-hour traffic delay

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol, St. George News

CEDAR CITY — Vehicles were backed up on the freeway for nearly two hours Thursday as authorities worked to clean up a crash scene involving two semitractor-trailers.

Utah Highway Patrol and Cedar City Police responded at 11:04 a.m. to the crash on Interstate 15 at milepost 61. Traffic was limited to the left lane for nearly two hours as emergency responders cleaned up the mess left behind from the crash. During that time traffic was backed up past the first Cedar City exit at milepost 57.

The driver of the second semi was injured and was transported to Cedar City Hospital by Gold Cross Ambulance. UHP Trooper Dave Schiers did not know the magnitude of the driver’s injuries.

According to Schiers, the first semi-trailer driver had pulled over to the emergency lane and had just merged back into traffic when a second semi-trailer hit the back of the truck.

Authorities were still investigating the scene and did not yet have all the details as to what happened.

The trooper said he did not plan to give out any citations but was planning to turn the investigation file over to the Iron County Attorney’s Office for further review.

“I’m going to let the County Attorney’s Office determine what, if any, charges need to be filed,” Schiers said.

The second semi sustained major front end and transmission damage with parts spread on I-15 for a quarter of a mile starting at milepost 61. The first semi primarily suffered damage to the rear end with the rear axles broken, Schiers said.

Both semis were towed from the scene.

Cedar City Fire also responded to the scene to assist in draining the fuel from the second semi before it was towed.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement.

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A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Utah Highway Patrol, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Tracie Sullivan, St. George News

A semitractor-trailer crash on Interstate 15 Thursday sends one driver to the hospital and slows traffic for two hours, Cedar City, Utah, Oct. 20, 2016 | Photo by Steven Decker, Cedar City News

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracie is an award-winning investigative reporter. She has been published in several publications including the Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News, Spectrum and Daily News, Elan Woman, and New West. During her career, Tracie has covered various beats including education, politics, crime, courts, cops, government, lifestyle, arts and entertainment, and environmental issues. She is known for her fairness and integrity as a reporter.

6 Comments

Well it didn’t bother me I don’t need 2 drive 2 work I don’t work for living. Well back 2 my free paid for by tax payers Internet. and later on they will deliver my free cheese and milk and then I will go 2 my free paid for by tax payers Dr appointment and then go back home to my free paid for by tax payers 3 room condo and pool & spa. have a nice day. LOL !